NBA Insider Addresses Trae Young's Future With Wizards After Opting Out
When the Washington Wizards acquired Trae Young in a blockbuster trade during the 2025-26 NBA season, they hoped he would be a part of the team for years to come.
Young battled injuries most of the year, even with the Atlanta Hawks. He ended up playing just five games for the Wizards, averaging 17.9 points with 8.0 assists.
The star guard decided to opt out of his $48.97 million player option and officially become a free agent, sparking questions about whether or not the Wizards will bring him back.
On Thursday, NBA insider Brian Windhorst says that he expects Young to return on a three or four-year deal.
"When Trae Young was traded to Washington in January, it came with the understanding that he would opt out of his contract," Windhorst said."The expectation is he may take a meeting or two, for appearance's sake. (But) he's going to re-sign with the Wizards, likely on a three-year, very large contract."
"He's going to re-sign with the Wizards, likely on a three-year, very large contract."@Windhorstespn gives an update on what could be next for Trae Young pic.twitter.com/rQBcWPgczD
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 18, 2026
ESPN's Marc Spears also said that Washington "remains the front-runner" even with Young declining the option.
So, when free agency begins, Young should draw interest from other teams, but it would be a massive surprise if he doesn't return to D.C.
"Washington remains the front runner for the four-time NBA All-Star as he loves the team and DC, but he still expects multiple team max interest," Spears wrote on X.
Wizards star Trae Young plans to decline his $48.97 million player option for the 2026–27 season to become a FA on Monday, sources. Washington remains the front runner for the four-time NBA All-Star as he loves the team and DC, but he still expects multiple team max interest. pic.twitter.com/a3ONGQgVJK
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) June 18, 2026
What Could Trae Young's Contract Look Like?
NBA insider Marc Stein reported at the start of June that Young could sign a three-year deal worth $120 million to stay in D.C.
That would also allow the Wizards to have more cap room to bring in some more talent alongside Young and Anthony Davis, assuming the big man doesn't get traded.
The Wizards have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. With Kansas star Darryn Peterson wanting to play guard at the next level, the Wizards could land forward AJ Dybantsa with the first pick and then sign Young to a long-term deal.
Nonetheless, all the expectations at the moment suggest that Young will remain with the Wizards for the foreseeable future.
Related: Darryn Peterson's ‘Confident' Reason For Only Visiting Wizards Ahead of NBA Draft
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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 2:03 PM.